Why did you choose UNI? 

I liked the small school feel that it had. When I visited I could tell UNI was a close-knit community.

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I’ve enjoyed the small class size. It was really easy for me to get to know my professors and for them to get to know me. I could tell they all cared about my individual success in their classes and beyond.

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

I took Power & Politics, which is the introduction to American politics class. I was really interested in the content and wanted to keep learning more. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I played trombone in the Panther Marching Band every year I was at UNI, and was a marching section leader my senior year. 

I was also a member of Tau Beta Sigma which is a band service sorority, where I held the positions of parliamentarian and then president. 

More closely related to my major, I was involved with the UNI Model United Nations Competition Team and went to conferences in Chicago, St. Louis, and even Munich, Germany. 

I also interned with PanthersVote, which collaborated with organizations across campus to form a unified get out the vote initiative for UNI. 

Finally, I worked in the Office of Academic Advising as a peer advisor, where I helped students plan their schedules, explore potential majors, and answer any questions they might have about campus resources. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

Donna Hoffman

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I will be attending law school at the University of Iowa in Fall 2025!

How has UNI/your major helped prepare you for these plans?

I’ve been able to take classes that delve into the legal field which has reaffirmed this is the path for me. Political Science has also improved my analytical reasoning skills and my writing skills which will be very important for my future career.

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

The professors are all some of the kindest and most understanding people I have met. If you are interested in the major, take one of the intro classes and try it out. Individual political beliefs do not matter. The department is very tolerant and learning to have open dialogue is part of our major. Different beliefs challenge us and allow us to grow as individuals and academics.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have greatly enjoyed my time at UNI and in the Political Science department. I met some of my closest friends in my classes and with the small departments there were many familiar faces that made classes more welcoming.